Eat. Sleep. Pickle. Repeat.

Court & Equipment

• Court size: 20 x 44 feet (same for singles and doubles)

• Net height: 36" at sidelines, 34" in the centre

• Use a paddle and a perforated plastic ball

Scoring

• Only the serving team can score

• Games are usually played to 11 points, win by 2

• Points are scored when the opposing team commits a fault

Serving Rules

• Underhand serve only; contact below the waist

• Serve diagonally crosscourt

• Ball must land beyond the non-volley zone (kitchen)

• Server must have both feet behind the baseline

• One serve attempt per server (except the first serve of the game)

Double Bounce Rule

• After the serve: the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed

Non-Volley Zone ("The Kitchen")

• No volleying while standing in the kitchen

• You may enter the kitchen to play a bounced ball but must exit before volleying

Doubles Play

• Both players on a team serve before the serve passes to the opponents (except first serve of the game)

• Players switch sides only after scoring a point and retaining serve

Pickleball can be enjoyed in a variety of formats to suit different skill levels, group sizes, and playing styles. From casual social games to competitive tournaments, the game offers flexibility that makes it accessible and engaging for everyone.

Open Play

Open play pickleball is a casual, drop-in format where players of all skill levels can join in on their own, without having to organise a partner. Games are typically short, and players rotate in and out, often mixing partners and opponents. It’s a fun, social way to meet others, improve your game, and enjoy regular play.

Recreational Rotational

Recreational rotational pickleball involves informal, social play where players rotate partners or opponents after each game. Popular formats like Round Robin and King/Queen of the Court keep the action dynamic, allowing everyone to play with different people. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to enjoy the game without the formality of competition.

Tournament

Tournament format pickleball features organised, competitive play with structured rules to determine winners. Common formats include single elimination, double elimination, and pool play followed by bracket play. Tournaments have set match durations, strict rules, and often feature skill-based divisions to create a fair and competitive environment.

Session fees are as follows and must be paid online through Pickleheads when booking:

• Members: $9 + service fee per session

• Non-members: $13.50 + service fee per session

Non-members can play for up to 4 weeks without membership. After that, you need to register as a member or be a member of any affiliated Pickleball Australia club to keep playing. Only members of Bomaderry Pickleball Club will get the members rate.

Pickleheads is the official court and game finder for USA Pickleball and the Global Pickleball Federation. It helps you organise games with features like invites, waitlists, messaging, skill ratings, and player matching. Don’t forget to keep your skill rating updated in Pickleheads to help ensure fair and enjoyable matchups.

The courts come equipped with nets, paddles and balls. However, many players choose to buy their own paddles once they get hooked on the game! Bringing a water bottle is a good idea - it can be thirsty work!

To reserve your spot, click Book Now  If you're new, you'll be prompted to create a Pickleheads account. Returning users can simply log in. Click Request to Join:

• Members will be approved or waitlisted based on availability. Members can also reserve their spot by accepting the invitation email or prompt in the Pickleball app, which is automatically sent 7 days before each session.

• Non-members will be approved or denied depending on whether they’ve been playing for more than 4 weeks without a Pickleball Australia or affiliated club membership.

Click Book Now and select your the session you want to cancel and login to Pickleheads then click on Leave. You can also access the booking through the confirmation email link or under Games / Sessions from within Pickleheads. If you cancel more than 24 hours before the session starts, you'll receive an automatic refund of the session fee less the service fee. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session starts are not eligible for a refund.

Pickleball is most enjoyable when players are evenly matched, making it important to know and track your skill level. Skill ratings range from 1.0 for beginners to 5.5+ for advanced or professional players and take into account factors like shot consistency, execution, court strategy, and overall athletic ability. Whether you determine your rating through an automated system like DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) or choose to self-rate, be sure to log it in your Pickleheads account if it's 2.0 or higher. Doing so helps ensure fair, competitive, and fun games for everyone during club sessions.

Click on the link to see the Pickleheads guide - What is my pickleball skill rating?

When you arrive, a friendly club member will check you in, offer a brief overview if needed, and help pair you with players of similar skill level. You'll have the chance to play several games, typically lasting 15 to 25 minutes each, over the 2 hour session. Most games are doubles played to 11 points, though the duration can vary depending on player skill and how evenly matched the teams are - higher-level play often results in longer, more competitive rallies.

Pickleball is more than just a sport - it’s a community rooted in fun, friendly competition, and strong social values. At its core, it celebrates respect, fair play, and graciousness, whether in victory or defeat. While the Official Rules govern gameplay, this guide encourages conduct that reflects the heart of the game. Key Principles

• Treat fellow players, referees, volunteers, and spectators with kindness and courtesy

• Greet unfamiliar players and show good sportsmanship at the net after each game

• Use respectful language and behaviour at all times - avoid arguing and using foul language

Play Fair

• Know the rules and apply them honestly

• Call balls and faults on yourself when necessary

• Respect your opponents' calls and give them the benefit of the doubt

• Resolve uncertain situations fairly and without conflict

On-Court Etiquette

• Watch for service and kitchen (NVZ) foot faults - yours and your partner’s

• Don’t cut in line or manipulate game rotations

• Be ready to play when it's your turn and follow local customs for court use

Safety and Common Courtesy

• Return stray balls calmly and without disrupting other games

• Immediately call out if your ball endangers others

• Avoid emotional outbursts like throwing paddles or slamming balls

Inclusive and Supportive Social Play

• Stronger players should encourage and support others

• Play kindly with teammates and opponents of all skill levels

• Avoid targeting weaker players and refrain from harsh feedback

• Only offer coaching if it’s requested

When playing pickleball, it's important to wear comfortable athletic clothing that provides breathability and allows for a full range of motion. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or nylon are ideal, while heavy cotton should be avoided. Supportive sneakers are a good choice, though many players opt for court-specific shoes for enhanced grip and stability.

Yes - players must be 16 years or older to play in our sessions and register as a member of the Bomaderry Pickleball Club.

Adults (18+ years)

$80 / year

Seniors (65+ years)

$60 / year

Children (16+ years)

$40 / year

Simply click on Join Now and select Register as a member then follow the instructions. If you are registering as a Returning Member then the full membership fee will need to be paid and a refund for any duplicate Pickleball Australia component claimed by emailing admin@pickleballnsw.org, providing your Pickleball Australia membership number.

Once you become a member, you’ll receive an invitation email with a link to join the Bomaderry Pickleball Club group on Pickleheads. After accepting the invitation, you’ll be able to book sessions at the member rate without needing approval.

• President/Marketing - Marisca Baldwin

• Secretary / Vice President - Frances Stanley

• Treasurer / Public Officer - Kerryn House

• IT - Robert Mitchell

• Committee Member / Photography - Yvonne Young

• Committee Member - Iva Jenickova

Click on the Bomaderry Pickleball Club Constitution to view.

Click on the Pickleball NSW Code of Conduct to view.

Bomaderry Pickleball Club respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store and share your personal information, particularly as a club affiliated with Pickleball NSW and Pickleball Australia.

What Information We Collect

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Contact information (email, phone number)

• Emergency contact details

• Membership details and participation history

• Payment details for club-related services

How We Collect Your Information

• Join or renew membership with our club

• Register for pickleball sessions, events or competitions

• Complete online forms or contact us directly

• Sign up through the Pickleball Australia National Membership System

Why We Collect Your Information

• Manage club memberships and participation

• Register you with Pickleball NSW and Pickleball Australia

• Provide insurance coverage under national programs

• Organise training, events and competitions

• Communicate with members and ensure player safety

• Comply with governance or reporting requirements from state and national pickleball bodies

Who We Share Your Information With

• Pickleball NSW and Pickleball Australia for registration, insurance and player records

• Service providers (e.g. payment processors or website platforms) assisting in club operations

• Relevant authorities in the case of health or safety concerns

We will never sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

How We Store and Protect Your Information

• We store personal information securely using password-protected systems and only authorised committee members or service providers have access

• We take reasonable steps to protect your data from misuse, loss or unauthorised access

Accessing and Updating Your Information

• You can update your personal details through the Pickleball Australia National Membership Portal

Website and Online Services

• If you use our website, we may collect anonymous data through cookies or analytics tools to improve user experience. You can adjust your browser settings to disable cookies if you prefer.

Changes to This Policy

• We may review and update this policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on our website.